With a whispery tenor voice, downtempo beats, and a sense of patient wisdom, both the melody and the lyrical theme float above an ethereal bed of synthesizer. The idea is simple: we cannot escape our own failings. Something is always left behind when we run from ourselves.

A broadening sense of rippling energy and a slow, linear crescendo set us up for the big final lift. The beat and the emotion, are both filled with a wide sense of space, which feels like comfort. Trace, the new single from Sam Phay, is a minimal electronic keeper with a vocal performance firmly rooted in melodic pop.

2018 has been a huge year for Australian writer and producer Sam Phay. This song is featured on our CHILL NEW Songwriters playlist.